Frequency-voltage conversion circuit and receiving apparatus

ABSTRACT

In a frequency-voltage conversion circuit, integrating circuitry gives a predetermined slope for rising or falling of a rectangular pulse signal. First comparing circuitry compares an output value of the integrating circuitry with a threshold value, and produces a pulse signal line having a pulse width corresponding to frequency of the rectangular pulse signal. Storing circuitry stores and retains the threshold value. Smoothing circuitry smoothes the pulse signal line, and produces a voltage value corresponding to the frequency of the rectangular pulse signal. Second comparing circuitry compares the voltage value with a reference voltage, and charges and discharges electric charge for the storing circuitry on the basis of the comparison result.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a frequency-voltage conversion circuit and areceiving apparatus applicable for a direct conversion receiver whichreceives and demodulates a FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) signal.

A superheterodyne method and a direct conversion method are generallyused in a FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) receiver. In -each method,demodulation is carried out by the use of the known F-V(Frequency-Voltage) conversion.

Referring to FIG. 1, description will be made about a related directconversion receiver using the F-V conversion.

In a Weber receiver illustrated in FIG. 1 the direct conversionreceiver, a base-band cross signal is brought up to intermediatefrequency (namely, up-conversion is conducted), and the F-V conversionis performed.

The FSK signal sent from a receiver (not shown) is received by anantenna 101, is amplified by a high frequency amplifier 102, and isgiven to mixers 103 and 104, respectively.

A local oscillator 107 produces an oscillation signal. The oscillationsignal is shifted with π/2 by the use of a π/2 shifter 105, and is givento the mixer 103. Further, the frequency signal from the localoscillator 107 is directly given to the mixer 104.

Low pass filters (hereinafter, abbreviated as LPFs) 106 and 108 areconnected to the mixers 103 and 104, respectively. In this condition,output signals from the mixers 103 and 104 are given to the LPFs 106 and108, respectively.

Each of the LPFs 106 and 108 has passing band equivalent to the baseband signal, and realizes or obtains selectivity between adjacentchannels. Further, the LPFs 106 and 108 supply output signalscorresponding to signals from the mixers 103 and 104 into anup-conversion portion 130.

In this case, the up-conversion portion 130 is composed of mixers 109and 110, a local oscillator 113, a π/2 shifter, and an adder 112, asillustrated in FIG. 1.

With this structure, the mixer 109 is given with an oscillation signalfrom the local oscillator 113. Further, the oscillation signal from thelocal oscillator 113 is shifted with π/2 by a π/2 shifter 111, and isgiven to the mixer 110.

Signals multiplied by the mixers 109 and 110 are added by the adder 112.Alternatively, the multiplied signals may be subtracted by a subtracter(not shown). An output signal of the adder 112 is converted by the useof a delay detection portion 114.

In the above-mentioned Weber receiver 131, a carrier wave frequency ofthe received FSK signal is defined as ω/2π while frequency deviation isdefined as ±Δω/2π. In this condition, the received FSK signal Sr_(FSK)is represented by the following equation.

Sr _(FSK)=cos(ω±Δω)t

In this event, when the output signal S_(OSC1) of the local oscillator107 is defined as S_(OSC1)=sin ωt, the output signals SMOG and S_(MIX4)of the mixers 103 and 104 are represented by the following equations,respectively.

S _(MIX3)=cos(ω±Δω)t·cosωt=½{cos(ω±Δω+ω)t+cos(ω±Δω−ω)t}=½{cos(2ω±Δω)t+cos(±Δωt)}

S _(MIX4)=cos(ω±Δω)t·sin ωt=½{(sin (ω±Δω+ω)t+sin(ω±Δω−ω)t}=½{sin(2ω±Δω)t+sin(±Δωt)}

First terms of these equations are removed by the LPFs 106 and 108.Therefore, the outputs S_(LPF6) and S_(LPF8) of the LPFs 106 and 108 arerepresented by the following equations.

S _(LPF6)=½{cos(Δωt)}  (1)

S _(LPF8)=±½{sin(Δωt)}  (2)

In this case, when calculation is carried out without limiter amplifiers128 and 129 so as to be readily understood, an output signal Vout of theup-conversion portion 130 is modified as follows. Herein, it is to benoted that the output signal of the local oscillator 113 is defined byS_(OSC2)=sin ω2t.

Vout=½{cos(Δωt)sin ω2t)}±½{sin (Δωt)cos ω2t)}=½{sin (ω2±Δω))}

From the above-mentioned result, the base band signal I, Q is convertedto a signal having frequency deviation of ±Δω/2π when the intermediatefrequency ω2/2π is defined as a center.

Subsequently, when the limiter amplifiers 128 and 129 are insertedbetween the LPF 106 and the mixer 109 or between the LPF 108 and themixer 110, the condition is explained as follows.

When inputs into the mixers 109 and 110 becomes rectangular wave by thelimiter amplifiers 128 and 129, outputs S_(LPT6′) and S_(LPF8′) aremodified as follows by Fourier transforming the above-mentionedequations (1) and (2). Herein, it is to be noted that constant isdefined as k=2/π.

S _(LPF6′) =k{cos(Δωt)}+⅓·cos(3Δωt)+⅕·cos(5Δωt)+ . . . }  (1′)

S _(LPF8′) =k{sin(ω2±ω)t+⅓·sin(3(ω2±Δω)t+⅕·sin(5(ω2±Δω)t)+ . . . }  (2′)

Namely, the output Vout′ of the up-conversion portion 130 is similarlyconsidered to be the modification of the above-mentioned equation (3).Thereby, the following equation is introduced.

Vout=k{sin(ω2±ω)t+⅓·sin(3(ω2±Δω)t+⅕·sin(5(ω2±Δω)t)+ . . . }  (3′)

Consequently, it is found out that the conversion-up becomes possibleeven when the limiter amplifiers 128 and 129 are inserted between theLPF 106 and the mixer 109 or between the LPF 108 and the mixer 110.

Although the Weber receiver 131 has been suggested as a SSB (Single SideBand) receiver, it is found out that the Weber receiver 131 isapplicable as the FSK receiver, as explained above.

The output signal of the adder 112 is given to the delay detectionportion 114, and the F-V conversion is carried out in the delaydetection portion 114.

In FIG. 2, a detail structure of the delay detection portion 114 isillustrated. Further, a timing chart showing change (waveform) of eachsignal of each portion in the delay detection portion 114 is illustratedin FIG. 3.

A signal V_(A) from the adder 112 is converted into output signals V_(B)and V_(C) by removing amplitude demodulation components by the use of alimiter amplifier 119.

Subsequently, the output signals V_(B) and V_(C) are converted intosignals V_(D) and V_(E) having desired slopes at rising throughcommon-emitter transistors 121 and 221. Further, the signals VD andV_(E) are converted into signals V_(F) and V_(G) by comparators 123 and223 given with threshold level V_(TH26) from a reference voltage 126.

In this event, the transistors 121 and 221 are coupled to constantcurrent sources 120, 220 and capacitors 122, 222, respectively.

Moreover, the signals V_(F) and V_(G) are converted into a signal V_(H)via an AND gate (namely, logical product). Thereby, pulse signal line,which has constant amplitude and constant delay time τ, is formed, asillustrated in FIG. 3.

Finally, the pulse signal line V_(H) is integrated by a LPF 125, andconverted into a voltage value V_(I) corresponding to frequency.Further, the obtained voltage V_(I) is converted into a logic datasignal consisting of “1” and “0” by a converter (not shown).

In FIG. 4, frequency spectrums are illustrated so as to explain theabove-mentioned structure. In an intermediate stage in the FIG. 4,center frequency between frequency of “1” and frequency of “0” becomescarrier wave frequency.

In FIG. 5, characteristic obtained the delay detection portion 114 isillustrated. In the above-mentioned example, demodulation sensitivity KDis defined as KD=2τV [V/Hz]. Consequently, the characteristic isaffected by variation of τ and V Herein, it is to be noted that τrepresents delay time while V indicates output amplitude of the signalV_(H).

Moreover, the delay time τ is inversely proportional to variation of theconstant current sources 120 and 220 illustrated in FIG. 2, and isproportional to variation of static capacitance of the capacitors 122and 222. Further, the delay time τ is proportional to the thresholdvoltage V_(TH26).

Specifically, the demodulation sensitivity is fluctuated by variation ofmanufacturing condition. In addition, the F-V conversion outputamplitude is varied in the direct-conversion method using the F-Vconversion. As a result, receiving condition may be deteriorated.

Further, the power supply voltage is restricted from the same reason,and reneality of the F-V conversion is degraded. In consequence,receiving condition is also degraded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide afrequency-voltage conversion circuit which is capable of correctingmanufacturing variation and change with time caused by the variation.

It is another object of this invention to provide a frequency-voltageconversion circuit which is capable of demodulating a FSK signal withstable and high sensibility and linearity.

In a frequency-voltage conversion circuit according to this invention,integrating means gives a predetermined slope for rising or falling of arectangular pulse signal.

First comparing means compares an output value of the integrating meanswith a threshold value, and produces a pulse signal line having a pulsewidth corresponding to the frequency of the rectangular pulse signal.

Storing means stores and retains the threshold value. Smoothing meanssmoothes the pulse signal line, and produces a voltage valuecorresponding to the frequency of the rectangular pulse signal.

Second comparing means compares the voltage value with a referencevoltage, and charges and discharges electric charge for the storingmeans on the basis of the comparison result.

In this case, the integrating means comprises a constant current devicewhich produces constant current, and a static capacitance device whichstores the current.

With such a structure, the second comparing means discharges theelectric charge from the storing means when the voltage value is higherthan the reference voltage.

On the other hand, the second comparing means charges electric chargefor the storing means when the voltage value is lower than the referencevoltage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a related direct conversion receiverusing F-V conversion;

FIG. 2 is a connection diagram showing a detail structure of the delaydetection portion 114 illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing change (waveform) of each signal ofeach portion in the delay detection portion 114 illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is diagram showing frequency spectrums for explaining function ofthe direct-conversion receiver;

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing characteristic obtained bythe delay detection portion 114 illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a structure of a receiver according toa first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a connection diagram showing a detail structure of the delaydetection portion 14 illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing change (waveform) of each signal ofeach portion in the delay detection portion 14 illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing difference of F-V conversioncharacteristic (demodulation sensitivity) due to difference of thresholdlevel V_(TH16);

FIG. 10 is a connection diagram showing a detail structure of a delaydetection portion 14 in frequency-voltage conversion circuit accordingto a second embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing change (waveform) of each signal ofeach portion in the delay detection portion illustrated in FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, description will be made about embodiments of thisinvention with drawings.

(First Embodiment)

Referring to FIG. 6, description will be made about a first embodimentof this invention.

A FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) signal transmitted from a transmitter(not shown) is received via an antenna 1, is amplified by ahigh-frequency amplifier 2 ,and is given to mixers 3 and 4,respectively.

An oscillation signal from a local oscillator 7 is shifted with 2/π by a2/π shifter 5. The shifted signal is given to the mixer 3 while theoscillation signal from the local oscillator 7 is directly given to themixer 4.

The mixers 3 and 4 are connected to LPFs (Low Pass Filters) 6 and 8 aschannel filters, respectively. Output signals of the mixers 3 and 4 aregiven to the LPFs 6 and 8.

Each of the LPFs 6 and 8 has passing band equivalent to a base bandsignal, and realizes or obtains selectivity between adjacent channels.Further, the LPFs 6 and 8 supply output signals corresponding to signalsfrom the mixers 3 and 4 into an up-conversion portion 30.

The up-conversion portion 30 is composed of a mixer 9, a mixer 10, alocal oscillator 13, a 2/π shifter 11, and an adder 12. The mixer 9 isgiven with an oscillation signal from the local oscillator 13. On theother hand, the oscillation signal from the local oscillator 13 isshifted with 2/π by the 2/π shifter 5. The shifted signal is given tothe mixer 10.

Signals multiplied by the mixers 9 and 10 are added by the use of anadder 12. Alternatively, the multiplied signals may be subtracted by asubtracter (not shown).

The reference numeral 32 represents a switch which switches a signalobtained by a Weber receiver 31 with an output signal of the localoscillator 13. The reference numeral 14 indicates a delay detectionportion which F-V converts an output signal of the switch 32. Further,the reference numeral 18 represents a control portion which controls theswitch 32 and the delay detection portion 14.

The switch 32 gives the output signal of the local oscillator 13 intothe delay detection portion 14 when a control signal S₁₈ is put into “H”(high level). On the other hand, the switch 32 gives the output signalof the adder 12 into the delay detection portion 14 when the controlsignal S18 is put into “L” (low level).

In FIG. 7, a signal VA (rectangular pulse signal) from the above adder12 is removed amplitude modulation components thereof by a limiteramplifier 19, and is converted into output signals V_(B) and V_(C),respectively.

Subsequently, the output signals V_(B) and V_(C) are converted intosignals V_(D) and V_(E) having desired slopes at rising throughcommon-emitter transistors 21 a and 21 b. Herein, it is to be noted thateach of the signals V_(D) and V_(E) may have the slope at falling.

Further, the signals V_(D) and V_(E) are converted into signals V_(F)and V_(G) by comparators 23 a and 23 b.

In this event, the transistors 21 a and 21 b are coupled to constantcurrent sources 20 a, 20 b and capacitors 22 a, 22 b, respectively. Thecomparators 23 a and 23 b are coupled to a capacitor 16, and is givenwith an output signal of a VI amplifier 15.

Further, the signals V_(F) and V_(G) are converted into a signal V_(H)via an AND gate (logical product). Thereby, a pulse signal line V_(H),which has constant amplitude and constant delay time τ, is formed, asillustrated in FIG. 8.

The pulse signal line V_(H) is integrated by a LPF 25, and is convertedinto a voltage value V_(I) corresponding to frequency.

Further, the voltage value V_(I) is compared with a reference voltage 17(V_(REF)) An output signal of the VI amplifier 15 is supplied as areference voltage of the comparator 23 a, 23 b.

With such a structure, when the control signal S88 is put into “L” (lowlevel), the switch 32 selects the output of the adder 32. Consequently,the VI amplifier 15 is put into an off-state (namely, an output terminalis opened). Consequently, electric charge (threshold level V_(TH16)) ofthe capacitor 16 is retained or kept.

On the other hand, when the control signal S18 is put into “H” (highlevel), the switch 32 selects the output signal of the local oscillator32. As a result, the VI amplifier 15 is put into an on-state. Thereby,feedback in the delay detection portion 14 is activated.

As mentioned above, the signal V_(A) from the delay detection portion 14is removed the amplitude modulation components thereof by the limiteramplifier 19, and is converted into the signals V_(B) and V_(C). In thisevent, the signals V_(B) and V_(C) have phases reverse to each other.

Subsequently, the output signals V_(B) and V_(C) are converted intosignals V_(D) and V_(E) by the common-emitter transistors 21 a and 21 b,and further, converted into signals V_(F) and V_(G) by the comparators23 a and 23 b. Herein, it is to be noted that each of the comparators 23a and 23 b has the threshold level V_(TH16).

Further, the signals V_(F) and V_(G) are converted into a signal V_(H)by via the AND gate. Thereby, pulse signal line V_(H) having theconstant amplitude and the constant delay time τ is formed, as describedbefore.

Finally, the pulse signal line V_(H) is integrated by the LPF 25, and isconverted into the voltage value V_(I) corresponding to the frequency ofthe signal V_(A).

The voltage value V_(I) is compared with the reference voltage V_(REF).As a result of the comparison, when the voltage value V_(I) is higherthan the reference voltage V_(REF), the output of the VI amplifier 15 isput into “L”. Thereby, electric charge of the capacitor 16 isdischarged. In consequence, the threshold level V_(TH16) is lowered orreduced.

On the other hand, when the voltage value V_(I) is lower than thereference voltage V_(REF), the output of the V_(I) amplifier 15 is putinto “H”. Thereby, electric charge of the capacitor 16 is charged.Thereby, the threshold level V_(TH16) is increased.

In the first embodiment, the delay time τ is adjusted on the conditionthat the control signal S₁₈ is put into “H”. Thereby, the voltage valueV_(I) from the delay detection portion 14 is converged to the referencevoltage V_(REF). In this event, frequency given to the delay detectionportion 14 is equal to center frequency of a second FSK signal.

On the other hand, when the control signal S₁₈ is put into “L”, a normalreceiving state appears. In this case, frequency given to the delaydetection portion 14 is equal to the second FSK signal. Therefore, thecontrol signal S₁₈ is put into “H” during signal receiving wait state orduring signal receiving state unnecessary to receive a signal.

The above-mentioned delay time τ is inversely proportional to currentvariation of the constant current source 20 a, 20 b. Further, the delaytime τ is proportional to variation of static capacitance of thecapacitor 22 a, 22 b, and is proportional to the threshold voltage VTH16as the reference voltage given to the comparator 23 a, 23 b.

In this embodiment, when the voltage value V_(I) is higher than thereference voltage V_(REF), the delay time τ becomes higher than a valueto be essential. In this case, the VI amplifier 15 discharges electriccharge of the capacitor 16 so as to reduce V_(TH16). Thereby, the delaytime τ becomes low. In consequence, the voltage value V_(I) is reduced,and the voltage value V_(I) is finally is converged to V_(REF).

On the other hand, when the voltage value V_(I) is lower than thereference voltage V_(REF), the delay time τ becomes lower than the valueto be essential. In this event, the VI amplifier 15 charges electriccharge of the capacitor 16 so as to increase V_(TH16). Thereby, thedelay time τ becomes high. Consequently, the voltage value VI isincreased, and the voltage value VI is finally is converged to VREF.

In FIG. 9, F-V conversion characteristic (demodulation sensibility) isillustrated in accordance with difference of the threshold levelsV_(TH16).

Herein, it is to be noted that each straight line A, B and C in FIG. 9corresponds to each level A, B and C illustrated in FIG. 8.

The voltage value V_(I) is equal to a voltage corresponding to centerfrequency of the second FSK signal. Therefore, the voltage correspondingto the center frequency is compatible with the reference voltageV_(REF). Thereby, variation of the demodulation sensibility issubstantially eliminated, and the F-V conversion characteristic iscorrected as the straight line B illustrated in FIG. 9.

When the receiving sate becomes normal by putting the control signal S₁₈into “L”, the reference voltage V_(REF) is used as reference voltage ofa comparator or an A/D (Analog/Digital) converter given with the voltageVI, and thereby, corresponds to center frequency of accurate second FSKsignal.

(Second embodiment)

Referring to FIG. 10, description will be made about a second embodimentof this invention. Herein, it is to be noted that the same referencenumeral is attached to the same portion as each portion illustrated inFIG. 7.

In the second embodiment, a current control portion 27 is controlled bythe use of a control signal S₁₈ from the control portion 18. The currentcontrol portion 27 compares the voltage value VI with the referencevoltage V_(REF), and controls constant current sources 40 a and 40 b onthe basis of the comparing result via the feedback.

With such a structure, when the control signal S,, is put into “L”(lowlevel), current value of the constant current source 40 a, 40 b is keptto a constant value. On the other hand, when the control signal S₁₈ isput into “H”(high level), the output of the local oscillator 13 selectedby the switch 32 is given thereto. Thereby, the current control portion27 is put into an on-state. Consequently, the feedback becomes active.

In this event, a signal V_(A) is removed amplitude modulation componentsthereof by the limiter amplifier 19, and is converted into signals V_(B)and V_(C). The signals V_(B) and V_(C) are given with desired slopescorresponding to current values determined by constant current sources40 a and 40 b, and are converted into signals V_(D) and V_(E).

Further, the signals V_(D) and V_(E) are converted into signals V_(F)and V_(G) by comparators 23 a and 23 b. In this event, each of thecomparators is given with threshold level V_(TH26).

Further, logic product (negative logic product) is carried out for thesignals V_(F) and V_(G) through an AND gate 24. Thereby, pulse signalline V_(H) is generated, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

In the pulse signal line V_(H), amplitude and delay time τ areconstantly kept. This signal line V_(H) is integrated by a LPF 25, andis converted into voltage value V_(I) corresponding to the frequency ofthe signal V_(A).

In this case, the voltage value V_(I) is compared with the referencevoltage V_(REF). As the result of the comparison, when the voltage valueV_(I) is higher than the reference voltage V_(REF), the current controlportion 27 controls so as to increase current value of the constantcurrent source 40 a, 40 b.

On the other hand, when the voltage value V_(I) is lower that thereference voltage V_(REF), the current control portion 27 controls so asto reduce the current value of the constant current source 40 a, 40 b.

More specifically, when the control signal S₁₈ is put into “H” (namely,the feedback is in an active state), the delay time τ is adjusted.Further, the F-V converted voltage value V_(I) is converged into thereference voltage OFF. On the other hand, when the control signal S₁₈ isput into “L”, normal receiving state appears.

Therefore, the control signal S₁₈ is put into “H” so as to perform thefeedback during signal receiving wait state or during signal receivingstate unnecessary to receive a signal.

The delay time τ is inversely proportional to variation of the currentvalue of the constant current source 40 a, 40 b, and is proportional tostatic capacitance of the capacitor 22 a, 22 b. Further, the delay timeτ is proportional to the threshold level V_(TH26) given to thecomparator 23 a, 23 b.

In this embodiment, when the voltage value V_(I) is higher than thereference voltage V_(ERF), the delay time τ is becomes larger than avalue to be essential. In such a case, the current control portion 21controls so as to increase the current value of the constant currentsource 40 a, 40 b. Thereby, the voltage value V_(I) becomes low, and thevoltage value V_(I) finally converges into V_(REF).

On the other hand, when the voltage value V_(I) is lower than thereference voltage V_(ERF), the delay time τ is becomes lower than thevalue to be essential. In this case, the current control portion 27controls so as to reduce the current value of the constant currentsource 40 a, 40 b. Thereby, the voltage value V_(I) becomes large, andthe voltage value V_(I) finally converges into V_(REF).

Herein, it is to be noted that the voltage value V_(I) is a voltagewhich corresponds to center frequency of the second FSK signal.Therefore, the voltage corresponding to the center frequency is made tobe compatible with the referential voltage V_(REF). Thereby, variationof demodulation sensibility is substantially eliminated. Further, theF-V conversion characteristic is corrected as the straight line Billustrated in FIG. 9.

When the control signal S₁₈ is put into “L” and is in the normalreceiving state, the reference voltage V_(REF) is used as the referencevoltage of a comparator or a A/D converter which is supplied with thevoltage value V_(I), and thereby, accurately corresponds to the centerfrequency of the second FSK signal.

What is claimed is:
 1. A receiving apparatus having at least anoscillator, and an up-conversion portion which includes a first mixerconnected to the oscillator, a second mixer connected to the oscillatorvia a 2/π shifter, and an adder for adding output signals of the firstand second mixers, comprising: a switch which selects either one of anoutput signal of the oscillator and an output signal of the adder; adelay detection portion which converts the selected signal betweenfrequency and voltage so as to produce a voltage value; and controlportion which controls the switch and the delay detection portion.
 2. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the control portion gives acontrol signal into the switch and the delay detection portion.
 3. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein: the control portion selectsthe output signal of the oscillator when the control signal is put intoa first level while the control portion selects the output signal of theadder when the control signal is put into a second level different fromthe first level.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein: thefirst level is equal to a high level while the second level is equal toa low level.
 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: theoscillator produces a rectangular pulse signal having a predeterminedfrequency.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the receivingapparatus includes a Weber receiver.